Tuesday, July 31, 2018

Here's what readers are saying:"A superb retelling of Robin Hood--steampunk style! Edie brings the beloved characters to life in a whole new way that will keep readers feverishly turning the pages to find out what happens next. I can't wait for the next in the series!"

"A steampunk fable at its finest. Melson is a master craftsman in her action-packed spin with Maid Marion and Robin Hood at the helm."

"Edie Melson's steampunk adventure kept me turning pages long after I should have called my lady's maid to help me prepare for dinner. There wasn't enough tea in all of England to settle my nerves as Marion and Robin first matched wits with each other and then joined forces to stop a horrific evil from taking over the land. Maiden of Iron is a must-read for fans of the steampunk genre and a perfect first foray for those new to it."

Sunday, July 29, 2018

How beautiful are the feet of the one who brings good news…Isaiah 52:7

Now that we’re deep into summer, I’ve finally gotten my feet sandal-worthy. And believe me, it’s not been an easy task. I tend to have very dry skin and the winter season, with the dry heat that comes with keeping the temperature comfortable indoors, wreaks havoc on my feet.

Thursday, July 26, 2018

Do you ever get the feeling life is running out of control and you’re racing like a car in the Indy 500? And falling further behind the rest of the cars no matter how fast you go? And your pit crew looks like the Three Stooges on steroids?

Wednesday, July 25, 2018

Some of our character’s traits are easy to discover. Physical description, food preference, a career choice, favorite color or food, wants, goals, and other basic attributes that can be revealed in a non-threatening manner.

Tuesday, July 24, 2018

I recently taught a continuing fiction class at St. David’s Christian Writers Conference, which is held each June at Grove City College, a picturesque institution of higher learning tucked along the eastern border of Grove City, Pennsylvania. Participants—limited to eight—were to bring the first thousand words of their work in progress (WIP) as well as a letter from their protagonist to whomever. The letter should begin, I instructed them, with Today is my birthday … Who the character writes the letter to is entirely up to the individual writer, I said.

Monday, July 23, 2018

We’ve all read novels that held us tightly engaged from page one to “The End.” Then we’ve read others that while good, we could read a chapter and put it down. There can be various reasons, but I believe when we can experience the story not just read it, we overlook a multitude of possible problems.

So how do we get a book that offers an experience? By taking a lesson from a layer cake.

Sunday, July 22, 2018

Never scrimp on an electric blanket. Electrical currents on top of your body. While you’re sleeping. Think about it. Also, if the lights flicker when you plug it in and you smell bacon you should probably forget the whole thing and just get a Snuggie. Or also if you wake up in a morning and find it melted into a puddle of liquid wool and smoking wires. Snuggie. If you hear sizzling at any time. Snuggie.

Saturday, July 21, 2018

The ringing phone woke me from a sound sleep. The caller ID flashed bright in the darkness. It was from the memory care assisted-living, where my husband had been for three months. The voice on the other end was somber. “Your husband has collapsed and is unresponsive. We’ve called EMS.” After a pause she added, “But he’s breathing.”

Friday, July 20, 2018

One of my “made it moments” in indie publishing was the first message I got from an author asking if Proverbs 31 House Publishing was accepting submissions. It’s not. It’s barely even taking my own work. But I knew when I got that message that I was managing to make books that felt like “real” books to other authors.

Wednesday, July 18, 2018

If someone read the first line of each paragraph in your book, would they buy it? I tried that exercise once, afraid of the answer. It taught me to pay closer attention to my paragraphs. Each line that begins a paragraph is like one of those people who are hired to stand on a corner and hold a sign that says: Come visit so-and-so. Except, your first lines hold an invisible sign that says: Keep reading!

Tuesday, July 17, 2018

by Lucinda Secrest McDowell @LucindaSMcDowelWhoever invented the phrase “the wind rustling through the leaves” obviously sat on this screen porch in these woods. The breeze is so cool, the leaves are dancing, the birds are singing, and I am remembering one year ago when I sat right here and asked God to guide my writing of a new book.

Sunday, July 15, 2018

“Come to Me, all who are weary and heavy-laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you and learn from Me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For My yoke is easy and My burden is light.” Matthew 11:28-30

I don’t know about you, but I have trouble forgiving myself. For some reason I expect a level of perfection from myself that I would never expect from someone else.

Friday, July 13, 2018

by Marcia Moston @MarciaMostonI like to encourage people, to inspire them by sharing examples of others who have done something of interest. But today, I’m taking the “misery loves company” approach for those of you who may have returned from a conference high in hopes but are now scraping bottom, or those of you who can’t get even your mother to buy your book. Take heart. Here’s what a few giants who have trod that road before you have to say:

Tuesday, July 10, 2018

I’ve been writing seriously for the better part of fifteen years, and I still love to sit at the feet of those who are successful and pick their brains. They offer valuable guidance. When a new writer hands me a manuscript it’s easy to see their passion for the story. The concept is good, and they have an idea where the story should go, but as I begin to read, things start to fall apart.

Sunday, July 8, 2018

When the unexpected becomes the serendipitous we rejoice. We are glad and our hearts are grateful. When our spirits are fragile, the smallest of blessings can overrun us with their beauty and our sense of sentimentality boldly presents itself. Tears of gratitude are evidence of its effect on us.

Saturday, July 7, 2018

I love watching the expressions on people’s faces when I tell them I’m a writer. Most people have heard of such people but have never knowingly met one. Usually there’s acknowledgement, sometimes they ask questions, and, occasionally, they will stop and say, “You know, I’ve thought about writing. How can I tell my story?”

Friday, July 6, 2018

Summertime offers a plethora of opportunities for us to explore, learn, and hone our writing skills. Intentionality is the key, unlocking the power of creativity to sizzle through our stories.

It’s no secret that our brain re-engages when faced with new experiences, so today I’d like to encourage you to plan a day trip. The only caveat is that this destination must be a place you’ve never visited before.

Thursday, July 5, 2018

I love writing conferences. I love attending them, and I love teaching at them.

No two events are exactly the same. Even the same conference will have a different feel from one year to the next. Some years, I look back and see them as crucial networking years. Some years they are fun. Some years are educational and informative. All are important in their own way.

Wednesday, July 4, 2018

The Black Moment is the third and final structural element of our Triangle. It‘s also called the crisis or the emotional climax. I like to call it the 'all is lost' moment, since it's where the protagonist has the absolutely toughest decision in the world to make. How will he decide between what he wants and what's right? Will she hold onto her original goal if it causes her to lose what she now wants? This last decision has to hurt and has to matter. Be mean! Even if you don't want to torture your character!

Tuesday, July 3, 2018

by Cynthia Owens @EfficiencyAdictWe’ve been studying book launch teams for several months. In previous articles, I shared insights on how to run a launch team well from authors Mesu Andrews, Cathy Baker, Lynn Blackburn, and Rachel Dylan. Today, we’re going to focus on tips that make an author’s life easier during a book launch.

Monday, July 2, 2018

With the chaos of social media, and the strict guidelines now in place with email, our digital connections have gotten more complicated. But one thing hasn’t change—the ability to be found through an organic search.

Sunday, July 1, 2018

And in (Christ Jesus) you too are being built together to become a dwelling in which God lives by his Spirit. Ephesians 3:22

I planted the seed, Apollos watered it, but God made it grow. 1 Corinthians 3:6

Hiding in my bedroom as a little girl, I pulled out the tattered yellow legal pad I confiscated from the heavy wooden desk my mother used to pay bills. With a rush of relief, I spilled out on paper all that brimmed in my heart. The words filled the pages like beautiful filigree, transforming each one into a chronicle of my childhood.